Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is a state of mind involving being fully aware of the present moment which is achieved by focusing, acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and external stimuli. This state of full attention to one’s self or environment may be influenced by either memories of the past or worries about the future. We are thus constantly worried about future happenings as well as past experiences that deprive us from living in the present.
Through meditation, mindfulness can be achieved. Mindfulness meditation has tremendous health as well as socio-emotional benefits. Below are some of such benefits:
Health Benefits: The mind has such a powerful effect on the body and mindfulness meditation can help to:
- Boost immunity
- Reduce pain
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate
- Decrease inflammation
- Improve sleep and digestion
- Increase energy
- Reduce stress level
Socio-emotional Benefits: Research has shown that mindfulness meditation:
- Increases social connection and bonding between people
- Improved interpersonal relationships
- Reduces loneliness
- Reduces depression
- Reduces anxiety
- Boosts mood
- Increases one’s capacity for empathy and compassion
- Increases resilience in hard times
Cognitive Benefits: Meditation has profound effect on the brain and as such influences cognitive functions in many ways by:
- Improving memory
- Increasing working memory capacity
- Improving attention, focus and concentration
- Improving problem solving ability
- Boosting creativity
- Improving decision making ability
Who can benefit from Mindfulness Meditation? Everyone!
